Park Joo-sun "Inviting Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak to Yoon's Inauguration Ceremony, Under Deep Consideration"

"Anyone with symbolism deserves to be honored"

Park Juseon, Chairman of the Presidential Inauguration Preparation Committee, is being interviewed on the 17th at Shilla Stay in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jinhyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Park Joo-sun, Chairman of the Presidential Inauguration Preparation Committee, responded to a question about whether former President Park Geun-hye would be invited to President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol's inauguration ceremony by saying, "If anyone has symbolic significance and their attendance at the inauguration is meaningful, it is only right to invite them."

On the 25th, Park appeared on YTN Radio's 'Hwang Bo-seon's Start of a New Morning' and stated, "We are deeply reviewing this."

Regarding whether former President Lee Myung-bak will be invited, Park said, "He is a citizen of our country, has served as president, and holds symbolic significance, so it is certainly a matter for thorough consideration." On whether Kim Geon-hee, the spouse of President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol, will attend the inauguration, he said, "Since her husband is becoming president and holding the inauguration, it is only natural for the wife to attend."

About the decision to hold the inauguration ceremony in the front yard of the National Assembly building, Park explained, "The National Assembly is the representative institution of the people and is called the hall of public opinion. Holding the inauguration there symbolizes humbly accepting the will of the people. It also has the advantage of accommodating a large number of attendees. Transportation is convenient, and it was considered that several presidents have traditionally held their inaugurations there."

Regarding the inaugural address, he said, "It starts with humbly accepting the will of the people, and since there were various remarks about reforming the entire country in a positive direction, making changes, and uniting the people, we are working hard to write the inaugural address based on that."

Additionally, concerning rumors about his appointment as prime minister, Park stated, "I am a person who is lacking and insufficient in many ways. Right now, preparing for the presidential inauguration is the mission and great responsibility given to me, so I am focusing solely on that and have not considered anything else."